Tent – canopy – umbrella – or cane – Canes – sticks – crutches – and walking aids – Walker type
Reexamination Certificate
1999-05-21
2001-08-28
Stephan, Beth A. (Department: 3635)
Tent, canopy, umbrella, or cane
Canes, sticks, crutches, and walking aids
Walker type
C135S066000, C135S071000, C135S072000, C135S073000, C135S076000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06279591
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to a patient aid and more particularly to a walker-type aid. More specifically, this invention relates to a platform support for use with a walker-type aid and will be described with particular reference thereto.
Walkers are well known in the prior art for assisting physically challenged individuals. Generally, walkers come in two sizes, i.e., an adult version and a juvenile version. Moreover, different style walkers are manufactured by a number of various companies. Walkers include four legs, two at each side. The front pair of legs are interconnected by a cross frame structure or the like. Likewise, the front and rear legs on each side are also connected by a frame structure. In foldable or collapsible walkers, the side frame assemblies can be rotated inwardly for ease of storage. In other instances, however, the side frames remain in fixed relation relative to the cross frame structure, being maintained generally parallel to one another.
The upper portion of each side frame is adapted to receive the user's hands. For example, hand grips are usually provided for comfort. Occasionally, however, a user is unable to grasp one of these hand regions and thus requires a forearm support to balance that side of the user's body and grasp the walker. Accordingly, manufacturers have provided what are generally known as platform supports.
Platform supports are typically aftermarket assemblies that may be removably secured to a side frame of the walker. The platform support is usually secured to the hand grip region, as well as to a lower, transverse support bar that extends between the front and rear legs on the side frame of the walker. Tools such as screw drivers, wrenches, and the like are required for the conventional nut and bolt type fasteners used to secure the platform support in place on the walker. Moreover, known arrangements are not conducive to fitting both the juvenile and adult sizes of walkers. Further, platform supports usually are designed for use with one style of walker. Thus, patient aid or health care dealers must keep a variety of platform support styles in inventory to accommodate the different types and styles of walkers.
It is thus desirable to provide a platform support structure that includes a universal securing arrangement. That is, it will fit both juvenile and adult sizes, as well as fit a number of different manufacturers' styles of walkers.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention provides a platform support assembly that is universal, easy to adjust and assemble and economical to manufacture.
According to the present invention, a platform support for a patient aid includes a forearm receiving member. The forearm receiving member is adapted for mounting to a side frame of the patient aid via a first securing assembly that is adjustable in a generally vertical direction.
According to another aspect of the invention, a second securing assembly is adapted for mounting the forearm receiving member to a side frame of the patient aid in a manner that is adjustable in a generally horizontal direction.
In accordance with the invention, the new platform support assembly includes an adjustable three-point attachment that is adjustable. The three-point attachment preferably includes a first area along the hand grip region, and second and third attachment points preferably located along the front and rear legs. Moreover, a main support tube can be easily raised and lowered within the three-point attachment to accommodate juvenile and adult-size walkers.
Additionally, the securing assemblies preferably use enlarged, easy to manipulate connectors or knobs for securing the assembly to a walker without using tools. This facilitates converting a standard walker to a platform type support.
A principal benefit of the invention is associated with the universal adaptation of the platform support assembly to different styles and sizes of walkers.
Another benefit of the invention resides in ease with which the platform support assembly can be secured to a walker.
Yet another benefit of the invention is found in the ability to alter the positions of components to accommodate the needs and comforts of an individual user.
Still other features and benefits will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon a reading and understanding of the following specification.
REFERENCES:
patent: 4248256 (1981-02-01), Thomas
patent: 4748994 (1988-06-01), Schultz et al.
patent: 5524657 (1996-06-01), Jih
patent: 5657783 (1997-08-01), Sisko
Hudak & Shunk Co. L.P.A.
Invacare Corporation
Stephan Beth A.
LandOfFree
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